1979 Mercury Cougar vs. 2003 Opel Vectra
To start off, 2003 Opel Vectra is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercury Cougar (134 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2003 Opel Vectra. (120 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2003 Opel Vectra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 365 kg more than 2003 Opel Vectra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Mercury Cougar is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1979 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Opel Vectra, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1979 Mercury Cougar (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Opel Vectra. (170 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1979 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Opel Vectra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mercury Cougar | 2003 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Mercury | Opel |
| Model | Cougar | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1855 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2640 mm |
